Weird And Wonderful New Species Discovered

A giant flying squirrel and a fish that mates head-to-head are among hundreds of new species discovered in southeast Asia.

A total of 367 new species have been documented in a report named Mysterious Mekong, by the conservation charity WWF.

Other discoveries in the Greater Mekong region in 2012-13 include a skydiving gecko, an eyeless cave-dwelling spider and a green flying frog which uses large webbed hands and feet to glide between treetops.

The new species include 290 plants, 24 fish, 21 amphibians, 28 reptiles, three mammals and one bird.

Dr Thomas Gray, manager of WWF-Greater Mekong's species programme, said: "The species discoveries affirm the Greater Mekong as one of the world's richest and most biodiverse regions.

"If we're to prevent these new species disappearing into extinction, and to keep alive the hope of finding other fascinating creatures in years to come, it's critical that governments invest in conservation and green growth strategies."